How To Make Your Own Bug Spray | Safe DIY Insect Repellent with Essential Oils

As we head into Summer and many more days outside with family and friends it’s the perfect time to share my DIY Insect Repellent!

I’ve mentioned before that Mosquitos and I have a love-hate relationship. I love to hate them and they just love me, period.

I envy those rare people that don’t get mosquito bites. If there is a mosquito within five miles it’s like they sound an alert: “Claire is outside – lunch time!!”

My arch enemy. Ewww.

Needless to say we have had quite the collection of various bug sprays over the years and, while I love the fact that they repel the disgusting little things, I really don’t want those nasty chemicals on my skin. I certainly don’t want them on my kids’ skin!

I did a little research and found loads of ways to make my own Homemade Bug Spray and they pretty much all contain the same base ingredients above – witch hazel and water – as well as a combination of essential oils, so I whipped some up right away and it was so easy.

I wanted to try it for a week to be sure it worked and I am thrilled to report it works like a charm! I am so happy and also can’t believe I didn’t do this before. No harmful chemicals and less money in the long run too. You can also use your own favorite combination of essential oils which is great.

Most of you probably know that citronella oil repels mosquitoes but here are some other natural essential oils that they don’t like – I was pretty surprised:

Rosemary

Cinnamon

Citronella

Clove

Bergamot

Geranium

Lavender

Eucalyptus

Cedarwood

Peppermint

Lemongrass

Basil

Thyme

Supplies you will need (affil. links included for your convenience):

4 oz glass bottle
(essential oils should always be used in glass containers, not plastic, and the darker glass helps preserve the potency of the oils)

Witch Hazel (I got mine from the drugstore)

Distilled water (also from the drugstore and you can also use water that has been boiled and cooled)

That’s it! Be sure to shake well before using each time. I can’t believe how well this has worked so far – the mosquitos are not happy about it, I am sure – and I am so glad to not be spraying harmful chemicals all over our arms and legs anymore.

If mosquitos love you too you definitely want to try this out. Also, if you want to find out more about therapeutic grade essential oils like Thieves and where to buy them just click HERE.

Have a happy, safe (and insect free) summer, my friends!

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Claire is a wife and busy working Mom to three boys and A Little CLAIREification is a lifestyle blog committed to bringing readers “Bright Ideas On A Budget” – from recipes, crafts and DIY projects to time management tips, meal planning and inspiration.

A self proclaimed CHEESE addict and lover of Sharpie markers in every color known to man, Claire also likes to throw a little fun and laughter in the mix as well.

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Comments

After being eaten alive for days, and tired of using chemical sprays, I tried this recipe today with great results. I used the water and witch hazel, 35 drops of eucalyptus oil and 15 drops of tea tree oil. My husband spent hours in the garden and I spent hours on our boat, and not a single mosquito landed or bit. Thanks!

I have read and found to be true that if you take enough vitamin B6 the mosquitoes will find you quite repulsive 🙂 I NEVER get bitten as long as I take a mega dose vitamin B complex tab daily. Hope this helps anyone who the nasties find irresistible!

Hi Claire! Thanks so much for this recipe! I hate store-bought bug spray, but need it in muggy Miami. I am going to try this ASAP.
I was wondering though, do you think it’d work if I just added these essential oils to a homemade sunscreen recipe? Can’t go outside without sunscreen, and a combo would be a little easier. The recipe mainly calls for carrot seed oil and myrrh oil along with a carrier oil, and optional zinc oxide. If i added some bug -repelling oils like lavender or eucalyptus do you think it’d work? Thanks!